Leaving your own green thumbprint
The Crawford County Master Gardener Volunteers want to announce a new feature to the St. Feriole Island Memorial Gardens. It’s a Little Library! School is out but they want to encourage children (and adults) to read during the summer. Grab a book and find a comfy spot in the garden to peruse the pages. As with many Little Libraries around town, they would like a cycle of borrowing and returning of books so many can enjoy the assortment. The Prairie du Chien Secure Correctional Facility donated the library fixture. Pictured, from left, are (front) Julie Hazen, Nola Nagel, (back) Donna Teynor, Lisa Rogers, Cathie Nelson, Marla Hurley, Sandy Vold and Mary Novey. (Photo submitted)
By Caitlin Bittner
The summer sun is high in the blue sky, and the weather is perfect for doing some gardening. But, you don’t know how to get started? Well, you’re in luck.
Gardening can be a lengthy endeavor for true enthusiasts like those of Prairie du Chien’s Master Gardener program. And every summer, the program, run with the help of the Crawford County University of Wisconsin-Extension office, can help others realize their passion for planting and growing.
“Our motto is teach, learn, lead, serve,” said Julie Hazen, President of the Crawford County Master Gardeners organization.
Hazen, who was once just a gardener-in-training, commented on the growth of the class. “It’s come to be so much more than what it was when I was taking the class. Now, there are videos, readings, internet materials, reviews of the information during class, additional topics, guest speakers...these things enhance the lessons.”
Now in its third year of computer-based education, some of the burden has been lifted from instructors like Donna Teynor, who has facilitated the Master Gardener program for many years.
Each session requires 36 hours of training, and each week, Hazen said that the class is given a new topic to learn about. “What I like is that it’s not about knowing everything. But, you’ve been exposed to lots of different things.”
The class gives students a lot of concepts to discuss. Additionally, it offers opportunity for individualization and lets some of the students shine in their own expertise and their interests. “It really opens your eyes to different styles and practices.”
Hazen stated that the Crawford County group is a bit different from the other Master Gardener programs around the county. “We like to mix it up. For instance, if you’re always doing petunias, that can get boring, unless that’s your specialty.”
“Everyone in the group has a specialty, even if they don’t know what it is when the class starts,” said Hazen. She continued, saying that past interests, which have sparked lesson plan changes were pollinators and roses. “With this group, you learn a lot from each other, and you spread knowledge like pollen.”
Upon completion of the class, the newly-trained level 1 Master Gardeners are invited to use their expertise to help other people throughout Crawford County understand environment and horticultural practices. As volunteers in the community, Master Gardeners have an “opportunity to give back and make things [in the community] nice for others to enjoy,” said Hazen.
As an avid gardener herself, Hazen said that winter isn’t her favorite month. “I’ve been waiting all winter to try my new ideas,” she said. However, Hazen did note that sometimes ideas change. “You never learn everything in one year. Each year is different from the next with pests and weather and who knows what else.”
Yet, with the class being offered in the fall, it provides plenty of opportunity to ready your garden for the next planting season. “Gardening is a year-long sport,” Hazen laughed.
If you’re ready to find out how “green” your thumb is, it is important to register for the class by Aug. 15, at 4 p.m., in order to reserve your spot. To register, you must complete an application, be of 18 years of age or older, complete a criminal background check form, and attend the mandatory orientation session on Sept. 6. Class will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 20, and meet weekly from 6 to 9 p.m.
If you decide to join the ranks of the Master Gardeners, you will also be increasing your engagement with the community through volunteer work. “We spend time at the [St. Feriole Island Memorial] Gardens, and doing things for churches, the downtown, nursing homes and schools. Really, our involvement is community-wide,” said Hazen.
But, this branch of Master Gardeners extends to the whole of Crawford County. “It’s oriented around Prairie du Chien, but people do stuff everywhere. It’s wherever they want to be involved,” Hazen explained.
If you are interested in signing up for the class, but you have some questions, UW-Extension Program Assistant, Karen Snitker, will be able to help. “I handle the paperwork and set up materials. I’m happy to assist those who don’t have all the stuff they need for the class,” said Snitker.
Snitker added that although the class is now considered computer-based people can still join even if they don’t have internet. “We just need to know so that we can make arrangements,” commented Snitker.
The Master Gardeners program, Snitker said, is changed with every person involved. “Each person makes the class what it is. They all share their gifts and talents with the entire community. People should join [the program] because it’s an awesome program that connects like-minded people in the community,” Snitker stated.
The Master Gardeners program is overseen by Extension Agriculture Agent Vance Haugen. Snitker noted that this program does not worry Haugen much. “It functions so smoothly. The people in charge are very accountable and responsible. They take everything seriously,” Snitker explained.
For more information, or help applying for the program, please call (608) 326-0223.
